<b>Evaluation of defense genes expression and the virulence factor </b><b><i>Cac1</i></b><b> in </b><b><i>Phaseolus vulgaris</i></b><b> and </b><b><i>Colletotrichum lindemuthianum</i></b><b> interaction</b>

In recent years, there has been great interest in understanding the different virulence factors of <i>Colletotrichum </i>spp. and the plant defense response. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the defense response of Sutagao bean plants to two different isolates of <i>C. lindemuthianum</i> and the expression of the virulence factor <i>Cac1</i>, which is involved in the kinase signaling cascade that regulates the morphogenesis and pathogenesis of this fungus. Morphological, molecular, and pathogenicity characterizations of both isolates were performed, showing differences between them and classifying them into different groups within the <i>Colletotrichum</i> Orbiculare clade. In addition, in interaction with the plant, they differentially expressed the virulence factor <i>Cac1</i> in the early stages of infection, and the plant also differentially expressed some defense genes according to the virulence of the pathogen.Our research contributes to the understanding of the early expression of bean defense genes and the <i>Cac1</i> virulence factor of <i>C. lindemuthianum</i> during the infection process. Additionally, the methodologies and results can be of great help and interest to researchers in the molecular plant microbe interaction area.